Squad Update

With the squad looking to bounce back from the weekend’s defeat in Glasgow, the focus now switches to the arrival of Cardiff Blues to Thomond Park this Saturday for a lunchtime kick-off of 1.30pm.

Preparations began at the High Performance Centre in UL this morning with a number of players carrying knocks from Friday night’s action.  On his fourth consecutive start the academy’s Sean O’Connor sustained a neck injury 19 minutes in and continues to be managed by the medical team.

Jean Kleyn will meet with a specialist as a neck issue he sustained in the round-four clash requires further investigation.

Both Jack O’Donoghue and Darren Sweetnam failed HIA tests midway through the game and are following return to play protocols.

James Cronin is managing a further knee niggle following his return to action against Ospreys in round-three but is expected to return to action in the near future.

Meanwhile, new signing Mark Flanagan linked up with the squad today.  The former Leinster lock joins the province from Saracens on a short-term loan deal.

Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus also hinted that the Lions contingent of Conor Murray, Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander could be in line for a return to action this weekend.

Continuing to rehab: Gerbrandt Grobler (ankle), Conor Oliver (shoulder), Dan Goggin (knee), Ronan O’Mahony (fibula), Dave O’Callaghan (knee) and Darren O’Shea (shoulder).

Positively, a number of players continue their comeback from injury.

Having travelled to Glasgow as the 24^th man, JJ Hanrahan made a welcome return to action from a shoulder injury when he lined out for UL Bohemian at the weekend.  Centre Sam Arnold (calf) also retuned with Garryowen while hookers Duncan Casey (groin), Mike Sherry (back) and Kevin O’Byrne (groin) continue to amass game time post-injury.  The group were among a number of senior and academy representatives to play for their respective clubs at the weekend.

In Division 1A, Sherry was among the try scorers for Garryowen in their 29-17 win over Buccaneers in Dooradoyle.  Bill Johnston kicked a conversion and a penalty with older brother David, Arnold and the academy’s Liam Coombes all featuring for the hosts.

The academy’s Gavin Coombes started for Young Munster as they went down 25-5 to Lansdowne on the Aviva Stadium main pitch, while Cork Constitution also tasted defeat.  Kevin O’Byrne scored a try for the reigning champions who came up just short in a 10-try thriller, losing 39-35 at Lakelands Park.

In Division 1B Brian Scott travelled with Dolphin to Ballymena where the Cork-men recorded their first win of the new campaign, holding on for a 6-10 win at Eaton Park.

Duncan Casey, try scorer Stephen Fitzgerald, his younger brother Conor and Jack Stafford (both academy) all started for Shannon at Thomond Park where they recorded a fine 18-3 win over Old Belvedere.

Finally, in Forenaughts, JJ Hanrahan started at fly-half as UL Bohemian went down 28-13 to Naas.

Next Home Game

Munster return to home action against Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park this Saturday, September 30th, for a lunchtime kick-off of 1.30pm.

Tickets from

• Adults €20
• Juniors €7
• Families €40

Tickets can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, from Ticketmaster outlets, or by calling  061 421103.

🎟️ 🥂 🇪🇺 Next up @thomondstadium it’s Cardiff, then European is back with Racing 92

Tickets & Hospitality | https://t.co/pJ8PAkWSl7#SUAF pic.twitter.com/JwAHX5r0Fu

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) September 19, 2017